Aquino only describing, not attacking Roxas’ rivals in Rome speech—Palace

(ROME, Italy) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Meeting with the Filipino Community in Rome at the Leptis Magna I & II Function Room of the Ergife Palace Hotel for his Official Visit to the Italian Republic on Thursday (December 03, 2015). (Photo by Joseph Vidal/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Palace spokesperson Edwin Lacierda clarified that the tirades of President Benigno Aquino III should not be interpreted as a demolition job against the rivals of Aquino’s anointed successor former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

At a press briefing, Lacierda said that the President was merely describing Roxas’ opponents in the presidential race.

“It is not accurate to say it’s a demolition job. It’s a manner of describing who the candidates are presented before you, in the same way that the candidates speak, for instance, they highlight this thing… minimizing our accomplishments. That’s how you present them to the public,” Lacierda said.

While in Rome for a state visit, Aquino took a swipe against the presidential aspirants by using their slogans.

READ: Aquino bats for Roxas in Rome

One of the candidates was described by the President as an official facing corruption allegations.

“One of them is accused of plundering the public coffers throughout his time in office. If the allegations are true and this candidate is really a plunderer, what would be left to finance the improvement of the nation’s life that he is promising?” Aquino said.

After that, Aquino slammed a candidate for promising far better than what she have done, an allusion to Senator Grace Poe who is just marking her third year in office next year.

He also twitted a candidate who promises to kill many once elected and a candidate who uses the social media—obvious attacks to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

READ: Binay hits back after Aquino’s swipe at Roxas’ poll rivals

Lacierda said that Roxas will not only continue but further improve the supposed accomplishments of Aquino’s “Daang Matuwid.”

“We believe that so much has been done during the past five years. That is something precious to all of us who have invested their past five years. They have seen a change in the way that governance has been conducted, in the way that services have been provided to the poorest of the poor.”

“The question is: do you want to be unsure of whether this will continue? If you choose Mar Roxas, these things will not only continue, it will further be improved. So that’s where we’re coming from,” he said. CDG

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